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Discover the Best of San Diego in 9 Days

Margaret Palmer

Margaret Palmer

15 Nov 2023

Embark on an unforgettable journey through San Diego's top attractions, from world-class museums to stunning natural wonders. Join us as we explore the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering cuisine.

Day 1
+

$224

·

$ 20

Coronado Beach Resort

Depart from your stay 🏨

16 - 20 min

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Directions

Cafe Bassam
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
$38
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

San Diego Natural History Museum
Large natural history museum with rotating displays on animals, dinosaurs & earth science.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$38
3 - 4 min

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Directions

San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Kid-friendly museum featuring many working scale models of California rail lines & landscapes.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
$28
13 - 16 min

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Directions

USS Midway Museum
Life-at-sea exhibits, restored planes & flight simulators aboard this legendary aircraft carrier.
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
$65
7 - 10 min

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Directions

The Fish Market - San Diego
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$56
Day 2
+

$146

·

$ 15

Coronado Beach Resort

Depart from your stay 🏨

18 - 22 min

~

Directions

Cafe Madeleine
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
$46
9 - 11 min

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Directions

Balboa Park
Sprawling outdoor destination is home to the city's renowned zoo, museums, gardens & more.
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Free
12 - 17 min

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Directions

Timken Museum of Art
This 5-room museum is a host to European paintings, bronze sculptures & 17th-century tapestries.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Free
4 - 6 min

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Directions

Japanese Friendship Garden
Balboa Park's Japanese gardens have koi ponds, bonsai trees, garden tours & more.
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
$30
13 - 20 min

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Directions

Azuki
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$70
Day 3
+

$208

·

$ 20

Coronado Beach Resort

Depart from your stay 🏨

17 - 21 min

~

Directions

Hazelwoods - Holiday Inn Embarcadero
When you're feeling peckish, stop by Hazelwoods On the Bay for a tasty lunch, dinner, or even just a snack! With fresh food, friendly service, and plenty of good vibes, we aim to be the best deli in San Diego, CA...
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
$42
7 - 10 min

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Directions

Maritime Museum of San Diego
Waterfront venue showcasing many types of restored vintage ships & historical exhibits.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$45
18 - 22 min

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Directions

San Diego Automotive Museum
Small destination featuring rotating displays of classic cars, trucks & motorcycles.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
$30
21 - 26 min

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Directions

The New Children’s Museum
From creative classes to climbable sculptures, contemporary art for kids, in a bright, modern space.
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
$35
2 - 3 min

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Directions

Richard Walker's Pancake House
Since 1948, the Walker family name has become synonymous with quality family dining. The family has since perfected its reputation for outstanding gourmet pancakes and breakfasts. Our story begins when Victor and Everett Walker began opening snack shops in Evanston, IL...
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$56
Day 4
+

$273

·

$ 20

Coronado Beach Resort

Depart from your stay 🏨

21 - 26 min

~

Directions

Parfait Paris
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
$44
2 - 3 min

~

Directions

Liberty Public Market
Bustling market in an old Navy building with hip eateries, bars & specialty food & craft vendors.
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Free
17 - 21 min

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Directions

SeaWorld San Diego
Marine life shows, thrill rides, aquariums & up-close encounters with dolphins, penguins & more.
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
$175
13 - 16 min

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Directions

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Open-air museum about local life in the 1800s, with adobe buildings & interpretive performances.
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Free
4 - 5 min

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Directions

Casa de Reyes Restaurant
Located in the center of Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego, Casa de Reyes is more than just a restaurant; it is an authentic Mexican experience for all the senses. Enjoy the homemade Mexican cuisine and frosty margaritas, while relaxing in the courtyard surrounded by a lush garden.
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$54
Day 5
+

$237

·

$ 20

Coronado Beach Resort

Depart from your stay 🏨

16 - 20 min

~

Directions

Jimmy Carter's Mexican Cafe
Our Mexican restaurant offers the best Mexican food around! We use the freshest ingredients in all of our authentic Mexican dishes. Whether you're looking for tacos, seafood, or an ice cold margarita, our family restaurant has it all. Looking for a caterer to help out with a special event?...
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
$50
24 - 35 min

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Directions

San Diego Zoo
Zoo featuring giraffes, koalas, apes & more, plus tours & a conservation society.
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
$135
13 - 16 min

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Directions

Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
Built in 1912, this hidden suspension footbridge provides views of the serene valley below.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Free
16 - 20 min

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Directions

Ocean Beach Pier
Long Pacific Ocean fishing pier with a cafe & shop known for sunset views, plus sea lion sightings.
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Free
4 - 6 min

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Directions

Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$52
Day 6
+

$208

·

$ 30

Coronado Beach Resort

Depart from your stay 🏨

15 - 18 min

~

Directions

Hob Nob Hill
2019 represents 75 years of serving San Diego from the Corner of First and Juniper, in the beautiful Bankers Hill neighborhood. For 75 years, we have been doing it our way. Our bakery starts early every day to bake fresh muffins and cakes. Our cooks cure our corned beef...
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
$36
5 - 6 min

~

Directions

Museum of Us
Museum in an ornate 1915 building featuring eclectic anthropology exhibits & a panoramic tower.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$33
23 - 28 min

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Directions

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Interactive tide pools & exhibitions for all things under the sea in an oceanside building.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
$48
41 - 50 min

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Directions

Cabrillo National Monument
This historic lighthouse & national monument offers a storied history & views all the way to Mexico.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
$38
13 - 16 min

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Directions

Pummaro
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$54
Day 7
+

$144

·

$ 30

Coronado Beach Resort

Depart from your stay 🏨

32 - 39 min

~

Directions

Starbucks
Vons-Del Mar #2119
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
$42
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Acres of oceanside trails for exploring or exercising while spotting occasional dolphins or bobcats.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$30
27 - 33 min

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Directions

Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
Massive cross monument honoring American veterans, with plaques telling their stories.
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Free
23 - 28 min

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Directions

Mission Beach Boardwalk | Ocean Front Walk
Longtime beachfront boardwalk featuring shops, an old-school amusement park & ocean activities.
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Free
5 - 6 min

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Directions

The Mission Resturant Mission Beach
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$72
Day 8
+

$212

·

$ 35

Coronado Beach Resort

Depart from your stay 🏨

25 - 30 min

~

Directions

Point Break Cafe
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
$50
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Natural cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean offer views of the coast & the occasional cliff diver.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
32 - 39 min

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Directions

La Jolla Shores Park
2-block space steps away from the sand & waves offers grassy area & playgrounds.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Free
28 - 34 min

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Directions

Fletcher Cove Beach Park
Picturesque park with a viewing deck, grassy area & playground, plus tables & a basketball court.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Free
23 - 28 min

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Directions

Torrey Pines Golf Course
Iconic venue with two 18-hole courses on the ocean cliffs, plus a pro shop, a restaurant & a hotel.
3:30 PM - 6:30 PM
$100
13 - 16 min

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Directions

Ken Sushi Workshop
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$62
Day 9
+

$237

·

$ 20

Coronado Beach Resort

Depart from your stay 🏨

42 - 51 min

~

Directions

California Pizza Kitchen
Home of the original XL NY Slice. Since 1956, Sbarro has been serving the XL NY Slice. Starting with made-daily hand stretched dough, San Marzano style sauce and topped with 100% Whole Milk Mozzarella cheese.
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
$40
15 - 18 min

~

Directions

San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Visitor tours of a 1,800-acre wildlife sanctuary with over 300 species of African & Asian animals.
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
$135
17 - 21 min

~

Directions

On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina
Our day begins making fresh chips & salsa in-house and continues as we fire up your favorite Tex-Mex flavors including tacos, margaritas, enchiladas, burritos, and sizzling fajitas. Enjoy our family-friendly fare at the restaurant, to-go, or delivered in Escondido, CA.
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$62

Budget breakdown: $2099 In total

Activities & Food:$1889
Transport:$210